By Norrasyidah Arshad
GOMBAK, Oct 17 — The Jom Shopping incentive introduced by the state government has proven to be helpful for residents who face financial problems in preparing for the upcoming Deepavali festival.
Sales assistant M. Jayadswari, 50, said she had held out hope of being listed as a recipient of a RM100 voucher worth, which will go to covering the expenses of purchasing necessities.
“My husband is ill and unable to work, while my children are still schooling. As such, I must be frugal in managing our family expenses.
“This is the third time I have received such assistance, which has reduced my burden when it comes to buying groceries. I will use the voucher to buy kitchen items,” she told SelangorKini.
Jayadswari received the voucher from Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, at the Livestock Supermarket in Selayang Baru yesterday.
Similarly, Ajit Singh, 50, who is self-employed, said the voucher will go to covering the costs of purchases for Deepavali.
“The amount is not much, but it still helps our family. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, my income has been affected and I must save carefully.
“This voucher will be used as best as possible for Deepavali, perhaps to buy chicken or eggs,” he said.
The Jom Shopping Raya initiative was introduced by the state government for those from the low-income B40 group, aimed at upholding the people’s welfare and well-being.
The aid is handed over at community service centres for each state constituency, based on the ethnic group and festival in question.
For this year, RM8 million has been allocated for Jom Shopping Raya for all festivals, of which RM3.34 million was reserved for Hari Raya Aidilfitri in May.
